BLOODSTREAM 彡 Rafe Cameron

Chapter Two: Old Friends and New Secrets

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Chapter Two 

Old Friends and New Secrets 

Townes spent the next morning pacing the wooden floors of her family's house, her thoughts a chaotic whirlpool of emotions. Rafe's sudden appearance had stirred something inside her—something she wasn't sure how to process. The thrill of his presence lingered, but it was accompanied by an unease that had her on edge. His cryptic words had set her mind spinning, making her question why he always seemed to be drawn to her when she least expected it.

What did Rafe mean by 'this summer would be different'? After their final encounter last summer, she hadn't expected to hear from him again– especially since they never texted or called all year. She should've known better. Rafe was the kind of person who never let go easily.

Last Summer

The rhythmic beat of music pulsed through the air, mingling with laughter and the salty breeze that swept across the expansive deck. The party was in full swing, with colorful string lights casting a warm glow over the throng of people dancing and mingling. Townes stood near the edge, drink in hand, watching the chaos unfold. She had always felt like a bit of an outsider, but tonight, the alcohol had helped her feel lighter, more carefree. It was the end of Summer and she was determined to actually enjoy her final day here.

Rafe was a shadow in the background, leaning against the railing, his gaze sweeping the crowd with an air of nonchalance. He looked impossibly handsome in a fitted polo shirt that hugged his frame and jeans that accentuated his lean build. The way the moonlight caught the angles of his face sent a thrill down Townes' spine. Even from a distance, she could feel the magnetic pull that drew her toward him.

With a surge of courage fueled by the tequila coursing through her veins, Townes stepped away from her friends, weaving through the crowd until she was standing in front of him. "Hey," she said, her voice a little breathless as she took in the way Rafe's lips curled into a teasing smile.

"Hey, Townes," he replied, his tone low and smooth, eyes glinting with mischief. "Having fun?"

"Just watching the chaos unfold," she said, leaning against the railing beside him. The warmth of his body radiated, and she felt an irresistible urge to close the distance between them. "What about you?"

"Just enjoying the view," Rafe replied, his gaze locked onto hers, an intensity in his eyes that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Townes felt the heat rise to her cheeks, partly from the alcohol and partly from the way he was looking at her. "You think this is a good view?" she teased, gesturing toward the party.

He stepped closer, invading her personal space, and the air crackled with electricity. "I was talking about you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Before she could respond, he leaned in, brushing his lips against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. "Want to escape this?" he asked, his breath warm against her skin.

Without waiting for an answer, Rafe took her hand and led her away from the party. They slipped through the crowd, weaving past groups of people until they found a quiet spot on the beach, away from the noise and the chaos.

The sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the silence, and Townes felt a sense of exhilaration wash over her. The moon hung low in the sky, illuminating the beach in silver light. Rafe turned to face her, his expression suddenly serious.